Courtenay-Alberni MP Requests Assistance From Federal Government As Wildfire Continues

Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns asking for help from the federal government as wildfire splits his riding in half.

“30,000 of my constituents are trapped on the other side of Cameron Lake,” says Johns.

“Seniors can’t get to their doctor appointments. People can’t get to work. Who are the greatest communities that are impacted? Indigenous communities.”

The Cameron Lake Bluffs fire was first sparked on June 6th, closing Highway 4.

Beginning next weekend, traffic is expected to be allowed through, but it will be at least mid-July before the highway has fully reopened.

The fire itself is now being held.

Johns says local food banks are suffering as people are trapped - impacting those already struggling with food insecurity.

He says they’re worried, and many don’t know where their next meal will come from.

Johns is hoping for emergency funds to help food banks affected by the fire, along with small businesses and others in the community, including emergency unemployment insurance.

Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair said he is reaching out to the BC government to ensure close coordination between federal support and the province's work to serve the community.

He says they will work to ensure the people impacted receive the support that they require.